Page 8 of Sexy Bad Valentine

Holy shit. Something inside me catches fire. I’m in serious danger of the cobwebs in my vagina going up in an inferno.

What’s that supposed to mean?

Crap. What if I just inadvertently asked for something I’m not sure I want? Like a disgustingly handsome man telling me the wicked things he’s imagining doing to me? Like a dick pic? Although, that’s one dick I might not mind seeing in person, it’s probably best to clarify. Draw the line.

If this is going to be answered with an image of any part of your anatomy, it better be your eyes.

Dammit. Removes camera from pants. Just kidding. You’re a nice girl, Evie. That’s what I think. And you don’t know me, so you probably don’t want to know that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since I ran into you at the park.

You have a dog to thank for that. I add a few laughing emojis before I hit send. He’s been thinking about me?

I better get back to work now. I’ll text you when I get home.

I put my phone down and go back to reading, but the words aren’t sinking in. He’s just a flirt. He probably talks to women like that all the time, but it’s been a long time since anyone’s chatted me up. It feels nice. Better than nice. Biting my lip, I drop my head to keep my smile hidden. A squishy warm happiness fills my chest cavity, the kind of feeling usually reserved for special awesome moments.

My phone rings, and I pounce on it, but it’s a woman’s voice that comes through. “Hi, Evie. This is Deanna Holt from Puppy Love. I just got your contract. Can I just say how excited I am to have you on board for this venture?”

“Thank you,” I respond automatically. Max temporarily eclipsed the fact that I have just signed a contract where I have to go on a date with a complete stranger, but this is how I’ll find my Valentine’s date. The date I have to have if I want to survive Hannah’s party. I try to muster up some excitement. “I’m thrilled that you picked me. I can’t wait to meet all the dogs, and the date at the end of it.”

“I’m sure.” I can hear her smile inflecting on her words, but they still sound slightly condescending. I probably shouldn’t be surprised. The woman knows from my application that I’m desperate and dateless. “Now, we’ll shoot the video in several pieces. There’ll be an interview, and then you’ll spend an afternoon with each of the dogs separately. After that we’ll shoot your decision. And then part of your Valentine’s date, and your thoughts on the guy. And his opinion of you. Just so we have a nice rounded segment.”

“Okay,” I agree. “But I do have an engagement I have to attend on Valentine’s Day. I’m not sure that you’ll be able to film that.”

“Actually, we’ve set you up a table at Greco Nova early in the day for your date. That’s where we’ll shoot. After that, you’ll be free to spend the rest of your day however you want.” For a second, she drops her serious tone, “Maybe it will be with your chosen guy.”

“That’s great.” I breathe out in relief. What would be the point of all this if I wasn’t able to make it to Hannah’s party?

“Excellent,” she says. “Now let’s book in the schedule so that nothing holds up our timeline.”

“Okay.”

We go over the dates and times for each shoot, adjusting them to fit in with my job as Abby’s nanny. With only three weeks to shoot, I’ll have no time to myself. No time to flirt with Max. Or go shopping for appropriate date night underwear, or a costume for Hannah’s party. Deanna Holt leaves me with instructions to meet with Kelly on the first day of shooting. She’s one of the senior assistants from the pet supply company the show is named after.

“Good luck with it all, Evie,” she says. “Have fun. Hopefully I’ll be back in the country to meet you before it airs.”

“Looking forward to it.”

***

“Hey.” Max steps out of the house that must be his sister’s, shutting the door part way behind him. “Thanks for bringing Barclay over.”

“Any time.” I hand him the end of the lead. “He’s been a real sweetheart. Abby adores him.”

“I’m glad.” He smiles sheepishly, his fingers lingering on mine for a few seconds longer than necessary. “Any chance you’re available tomorrow?”

“For dog sitting?”

“I was thinking more along the lines of sharing a walk with me,” he says.

Oh how I wish I had time to explore whatever this energy between us is. “I don’t think I can.”

“Is it because of our texts earlier? Did I say something to offend you?”

“No. It’s not that,” I reassure him. “It’s just I have quite a bit on my plate in the next few weeks.”

“Anything I can help with?” he asks.

“Um, no.” I shake my head. “Honestly, this evening is the only free time I have until after Valentine’s Day. Perhaps we could—”

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